Arsenal had an eventful 2024 summer transfer window with significant comings and goings that have reshaped the squad.
The Gunners who narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season were determined to strengthen their team in key areas.
With Mikel Arteta and Edu leading the charge Arsenal spent around £100 million bringing in new talent while also letting several players depart. Fans are eager to see how these moves will impact the club’s performance this season.
Key Areas Addressed – Arsenal Summer Transfer Window
Arsenal’s main focus this summer was on shoring up their defense and midfield this is what their actions in the transfer window suggested.
Riccardo Calafiori, a highly-rated left-back from Bologna was signed for £42 million. His arrival is expected to solidify the defense providing much-needed depth and competition for places.
The midfield was also reinforced with the signing of Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad for £31.6 million. Merino, who impressed during Euro 2024, is seen as a key addition who can add creativity and stability to the middle of the park. However, the Spaniard is now injured and will be out for several weeks.
In goal, Arsenal made the decision to secure David Raya on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell from Brentford last season. The £27 million investment suggests that the club sees Raya as their first-choice goalkeeper moving forward. Additionally, Neto joined from Bournemouth on a season-long loan, providing further depth in the goalkeeping department.
One of the more surprising moves was the last-minute loan signing of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea. While Arsenal already had options on the wings Sterling’s experience and winning mentality could prove invaluable as the team pushes for silverware.
| Player | Nationality | Previous club | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riccardo Calafiori | Italy | Bologna | £42m |
| David Raya | Spain | Brentford | £30m |
| Mikel Merino | Spain | Real Sociedad | £32m |
| Tommy Setford | England | Ajax | £1m |
| Raheem Sterling | England | Chelsea | Loan |
| Lucas Nygaard | Denmark | Nordsjaelland | Free transfer |
Also Read: Best Deadline Day Transfers 2024: Every Confirmed Summer Transfer Across Major Leagues
What Could Have Been Done Better
While Arsenal’s transfer business was largely positive, there are areas where improvements could have been made. Many fans were left frustrated by the lack of attacking signings.
Aside from Sterling’s loan move (that too at the last minute of the transfer window), no new attackers were brought in, which has raised concerns about the team’s firepower upfront.
With the departures of Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe, who both contributed to the attack, some supporters feel that Arsenal missed an opportunity to further bolster their options.
Edu, Arsenal’s technical director, addressed these concerns, stating that the club is “in a very good situation” and that they have faith in the current squad.
However, the absence of a marquee attacking signing has left some fans questioning whether the team has enough depth to compete on multiple fronts this season.
| Player | Nationality | New Club | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emile Smith Rowe | England | Fulham | £34m |
| Eddie Nketiah | England | Crystal Palace | £30m |
| Aaron Ramsdale | England | Southampton | £25m |
| Mohamed Elneny | Egypt | Al Jazira | Free transfer |
| Cedric Soares | Portugal | Unknown | Free agent |
| Arthur Okonkwo | England | Wrexham | Free transfer |
| Chido Obi-Martin | Denmark | Not confirmed yet | End of contract |
| Amario Cozier-Duberry | England | Brighton | Free transfer |
| Reuell Walters | England | Luton | Free transfer |
| Sambi Lokonga | Belgium | Sevilla | Loan |
| Nuno Tavares | Portugal | Lazio | Loan |
| Karl Hein | Estonia | Real Valladolid | Loan |
| Fabio Vieira | Portugal | Porto | Loan |
Also Read: Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta confirms injury of new signing, Mikel Merino
How Will Each New Signing Be Accommodated into the Starting XI?
The new signings will have a significant impact on Arsenal’s starting XI, with fans eagerly anticipating how Mikel Arteta will integrate them into the team. Riccardo Calafiori is expected to slot in at left-back, providing strong competition for Oleksandr Zinchenko. His defensive solidity and ability to contribute in attack make him a valuable asset.
Mikel Merino’s arrival adds another dimension to Arsenal’s midfield. With his vision and passing ability, he is likely to play a central role alongside Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. However, managing game time for all midfielders will be crucial to maintaining balance and avoiding injuries. But Merino is already out with an injury in Arsenal training and thus, he will be missing the first few weeks for Arsenal.
David Raya’s permanent signing suggests that he will continue as Arsenal’s first-choice goalkeeper, with Neto providing backup. Raya’s distribution and shot-stopping abilities have already made a positive impression and his presence in goal will be key to Arsenal’s defensive stability.
Raheem Sterling’s role in the squad will be interesting to watch. While he may not start every game, his versatility allows him to play on either wing or even as a forward if needed. Fans will be hoping that Sterling can rediscover his best form and contribute both goals and assists as Arsenal look to challenge for the title.
Arsenal’s 2024 summer transfer window was a mix of strategic signings and some missed opportunities. The additions of Calafiori, Merino, Raya, and Sterling have undoubtedly strengthened the squad, but the lack of a major attacking signing has left some questions unanswered. As the season progresses, it will be up to Mikel Arteta to make the most of his new arrivals and guide Arsenal to success on the domestic and European stages.